We Need More Women Lawyers

T here are two reasons why Suits, the American legal drama television series created and written by Aaron Korsh, is one of my favorite television shows. The first reason is simple and quite familiar: the charm and screen presence of Harvey Specter (played by Gabriel Macht). The second reason is a pack of fierce women lawyers who provide the show with a unique balance. Don’t be mistaken; I am not at all talking about the reel gimmicks of lawyers shouting ‘I object, Your Honor’ every two minutes inside a courtroom. Women in ‘Suits’ are all about taking the bull by the horns and breaking the glass ceilings.

While it’s true that legal dramas can inspire people to become lawyers, we don’t need to pursue inspiration in the reel world. Even though the legal profession in India continues to be sort of a gentleman’s club, due to the acute lack of representation of women in the field, the environment is starting to improve. Indian women today are better placed to excel in the legal profession, thanks to a bunch who have paved the way. From Cornelia Sorabji to Justice Indu Malhotra, we have a whole world of inspirational real-life stories that constantly inspire women to be the justice.

Beyond any reasonable doubt, we need more women in the justice system. Borrowing the perception echoed by Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, with just 12.5 percent representation at the Supreme Court of India and a similar percentage of women judges at High Courts across the country, we have far too few women in the judiciary. The State Bar Councils portray an even worse picture. A study revealed that only 2.04 percent of the elected representatives in these bodies are women! For a country with half of its population women, we need more women lawyers across the country.
Do let us know your thoughts.